Whose Wings are Those?

Age Group: 9-12 years

Duration: 15 minutes

Biomimicry Connection:

This activity highlights how different bird wing shapes are adapted for specific types of flight and it lets pupils think about how each shape might be valuable for a different design application. It specifically exemplifies the biomimicry principles of 'Nature fits form to function'.

Activity Details:

Preparations

• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation showing pictures of the common wing shapes of birds or print images (see ‘The wings: An essential element’).

Description

Eagles have specific wing characteristics, resulting in a specific type of flight. However, there are other wing shapes commonly found in birds.

1. Show pupils pictures of the common wing shapes of birds.
2. Discuss how each wing type is adapted for a different type of flight. Do they recognize any of the shapes?
3. Discuss how each of the wing shapes might be valuable for a different design application.

Use the information below for the discussion.

• Ellipticals: such as sparrows, rooks and thrushes.
  • These wings, with a wide base and tapered tips, provide excellent maneuverability and control in tight spaces. They help birds turn quickly and fly through forests and tight spaces.
  • Design application example: These wing shapes can inspire the design of small drones or aerial robots that need to navigate confined spaces with precision, such as in busy cities or through forests.

• High speed: such as swallows and falcons.
  • High-speed wings are long and pointed, allowing for rapid flight and efficient hunting.
  • Design application example: These wing shapes can influence the design of high-speed aircraft, such as fighter jets, where speed and agility are essential.

• Elevators: such as vultures, eagles and storks.
  • These wings are broad and flat, providing substantial lift and stability during soaring flight. They help birds stay up in the air without flapping their wings much.
  • Design application example: Elevator wings can inspire the design of gliders or aircraft that need to remain airborne for extended periods with minimal energy (fuel) consumption. These wings' ability to generate lift efficiently allows such aircraft to stay aloft without the need for constant engine power, making them suitable for applications like atmospheric research and surveillance.

• Gliders: such as seagulls and albatross.
  • Gliding wings are characterized by a large wingspan and efficient airfoil shape, allowing for extended gliding and minimal energy expenditure.
  • Design application example: These wing shapes can inform the design of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones intended for long-endurance surveillance missions or package delivery with reduced energy consumption.

Additional Information

Read more about bird wings (here).